>

A story like a witch would brew

Unless a witch, we don’t always consider writing a story that contains several big shocks and scares. What would thatkind of story be like to write? Who would be in danger? What would the danger be?

A witch begins all of her stories in the cold metal brew pot. She mixes her ingredients, patiently stirs and stirs, and eventually, out float the poor characters and the twisted plot. She claps her hands in joy! The more bubbles with trouble, the better! Every so often, elves come upon witches brewing stories in the forest, and we watch transfixed from behind a tree, hoping the story does not have one of us in it.

New idea: You can usually find a big heavy brew pot in your mind somewhere. If you fill it with the ingredients you imagine to be necessary, including bits that are slimy and wriggling, let it come to a slow boil, and stand back, you may be surprised to see what rises up from the surface.

A story of this kind, full of suspense, with a need for bravery, may be more exciting and satisfying to write than you first think. (Also, and only if you prefer, stories of this kind can have safe and happy endings.)